Biochemical basis of regulation of human copper-transporting ATPases

Copper is essential for cell metabolism as a cofactor of key metabolic enzymes. The biosynthetic incorporation of copper into secreted and plasma membrane-bound proteins requires activity of the copper-transporting ATPases (Cu-ATPases) ATP7A and ATP7B. The Cu-ATPases also export excess copper from the cell and thus critically contribute to the homeostatic control of copper. The trafficking of Cu-ATPases from the trans-Golgi network to endocytic vesicles in response to various signals allows for the balance between the biosynthetic and copper exporting functions of these transporters. Although significant progress has been made towards understanding the biochemical characteristics of human Cu-ATPase, the mechanisms that control their function and intracellular localization remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current information on structural features and functional properties of ATP7A and ATP7B. We also describe sequence motifs unique for each Cu-ATPase and speculate about their role in regulating ATP7A and ATP7B activity and trafficking.     

Role of Glutaredoxin1 and Glutathione in Regulating the Activity of the Copper-transporting P-type ATPases,ATP7A and ATP7B

The copper-transporting P-type ATPases (Cu-ATPases), ATP7A and ATP7B, are essential for the regulation of intracellular copper homeostasis. In this report we describe new roles for glutathione (GSH) and glutaredoxin1 (GRX1) in Cu homeostasis through their regulation of Cu-ATPase activity. GRX1 is a thiol oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reversible reduction of GSH-mixed disulfides to their respective sulfhydryls (deglutathionylation). Here, we demonstrated that glutathionylation of the Cu-ATPases and their interaction with GRX1 were affected by alterations in Cu levels. The data support our hypothesis that the Cu-ATPases serve as substrates for Cu-dependent GRX1-mediated deglutathionylation. This in turn liberates the Cu-ATPase cysteinyl thiol groups for Cu binding and transport. GSH depletion experiments led to reversible inhibition of the Cu-ATPases that correlated with effects on intracellular Cu levels and GRX1 activity. Finally, knockdown of GRX1 expression resulted in an increase in intracellular Cu accumulation. Together, these data directly implicate GSH and GRX1 with important new roles in redox regulation of the Cu-ATPases, through modulation of Cu binding by the Cu-ATPase cysteine motifs.     

Cellular multitasking: the dual role of human Cu-ATPases in cofactor delivery and intracellular copper balance

The human copper-transporting ATPases (Cu-ATPases) are essential for dietary copper uptake, normal development and function of the CNS, and regulation of copper homeostasis in the body. In a cell, Cu-ATPases maintain the intracellular concentration of copper by transporting copper into intracellular exocytic vesicles. In addition, these P-type ATPases mediate delivery of copper to copper-dependent enzymes in the secretory pathway and in specialized cell compartments such as secretory granules or melanosomes. The multiple functions of human Cu-ATPase necessitate complex regulation of these transporters that is mediated through the presence of regulatory domains in their structure, posttranslational modification and intracellular trafficking, as well as interactions with the copper chaperone Atox1 and other regulatory molecules. In this review, we summarize the current information on the function and regulatory mechanisms acting on human Cu-ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B. Brief comparison with the Cu-ATPase orthologs from other species is included.     

Copper-transporting ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B: cousins, not twins

Copper plays an essential role in human physiology and is indispensable for normal growth and development. Enzymes that are involved in connective tissue formation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, iron transport, and others essential physiological processes require copper as a cofactor to mediate their reactions. The biosynthetic incorporation of copper into these enzymes takes places within the secretory pathway and is critically dependent on the activity of copper-transporting ATPases ATP7A or ATP7B. In addition, ATP7A and ATP7B regulate intracellular copper concentration by removing excess copper from the cell. These two transporters belong to the family of P₁-type ATPases, share significant sequence similarity, utilize the same general mechanism for their function, and show partial colocalization in some cells. However, the distinct biochemical characteristics and dissimilar trafficking properties of ATP7A and ATP7B in cells, in which they are co-expressed, indicate that specific functions of these two copper-transporting ATPases are not identical. Immuno-detection studies in cells and tissues have begun to suggest specific roles for ATP7A and ATP7B. These experiments also revealed technical challenges associated with quantitative detection of copper-transporting ATPases in tissues, as illustrated here by comparing the results of ATP7A and ATP7B immunodetection in mouse cerebellum. This work was supported by the National Institute of Health grants PO1 GM 067166–01 and DK R01 DK071865 to S.L.     

Molecular Events Initiating Exit of a Copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B from the Trans-Golgi Network

The copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B has a dual intracellular localization: the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and cytosolic vesicles. Changes in copper levels, kinase-mediated phosphorylation, and mutations associated with Wilson disease alter the steady-state distribution of ATP7B between these compartments. To identify a primary molecular event that triggers ATP7B exit from the TGN, we characterized the folding, activity, and trafficking of the ATP7B variants with mutations within the regulatory N-terminal domain (N-ATP7B). We found that structural changes disrupting the inter-domain contacts facilitate ATP7B exit from the TGN. Mutating Ser-340/341 in the N-ATP7B individually or together to Ala, Gly, Thr, or Asp produced active protein and shifted the steady-state localization of ATP7B to vesicles, independently of copper levels. The Ser340/341G mutant had a lower kinase-mediated phosphorylation under basal conditions and no copper-dependent phosphorylation. Thus, negative charges introduced by copper-dependent phosphorylation are not obligatory for ATP7B trafficking from the TGN. The Ser340/341A mutation did not alter the overall fold of N-ATP7B, but significantly decreased interactions with the nucleotide-binding domain, mimicking consequences of copper binding to N-ATP7B. We propose that structural changes that specifically alter the inter-domain contacts initiate exit of ATP7B from the TGN, whereas increased phosphorylation may be needed to maintain an open interface between the domains.     

A novel ATP7B gene mutation in a liver failure patient with normal ceruloplasmin and low serum alkaline phosphatase

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare disorder of copper metabolism resulting in accumulation of copper in liver and other organs. We present a liver failure patient, who was misdiagnosed for two years, with normal ceruloplasmin and low serum alkaline phosphatase. Molecular testing revealed a novel p.Ala982Thr mutation within ATP7B gene. The pathology of liver sample showed a large amount of copper deposition in the hepatocytes and confirmed the diagnosis of WD. Our data highlighted the importance of molecular testing in the early diagnosis of atypical WD.     

Identification of Ion-Selectivity Determinants in Heavy-Metal Transport P<Subscript>1B</Subscript>-type ATPases

P_1B-type ATPases transport a variety of metals (Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Cu⁺) across biomembranes. Characteristic sequences CP[C/H/S] in transmembrane fragment H6 were observed in the putative transporting metal site of the founding members of this subfamily (initially named CPx-ATPases). In spite of their importance for metal homeostasis and biotolerance, their mechanisms of ion selectivity are not understood. Studies of better-characterized P_II-type ATPases (Ca-ATPase and Na,K-ATPase) have identified three transmembrane segments that participate in ion binding and transport. Testing the hypothesis that metal specificity is determined by conserved amino acids located in the equivalent transmembrane segments of P_1B-type ATPases (H6, H7, and H8), 234 P_1B-ATPase protein sequences were analyzed. This showed that although H6 contains characteristic CPX or XPC sequences, conserved amino acids in H7 and H8 provide signature sequences that predict the metal selectivity in each of five P_1B-ATPase subgroups identified. These invariant amino acids contain diverse side chains (thiol, hydroxyl, carbonyl, amide, imidazolium) that can participate in transient metal coordination during transport and consequently determine the particular metal selectivity of each enzyme. Each subgroup shares additional structural characteristics such as the presence (or absence) of particular amino-terminal metal-binding domains and the number of putative transmembrane segments. These differences suggest unique functional characteristics for each subgroup in addition to their particular metal specificity.     

The multi-layered regulation of copper translocating P-type ATPases

The copper-translocating Menkes (ATP7A, MNK protein) and Wilson (ATP7B, WND protein) P-type ATPases are pivotal for copper (Cu) homeostasis, functioning in the biosynthetic incorporation of Cu into copper-dependent enzymes of the secretory pathway, Cu detoxification via Cu efflux, and specialized roles such as systemic Cu absorption (MNK) and Cu excretion (WND). Essential to these functions is their Cu and hormone-responsive distribution between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and exocytic vesicles located at or proximal to the apical (WND) or basolateral (MNK) cell surface. Intriguingly, MNK and WND Cu-ATPases expressed in the same tissues perform distinct yet complementary roles. While intramolecular differences may specify their distinct roles, cellular signaling components are predicted to be critical for both differences and synergy between these enzymes. This review focuses on these mechanisms, including the cell signaling pathways that influence trafficking and bi-functionality of Cu-ATPases. Phosphorylation events are hypothesized to play a central role in Cu homeostasis, promoting multi-layered regulation and cross-talk between cuproenzymes and Cu-independent mechanisms.     

Copper subtype of Alzheimer's disease (AD): Meta-analyses,genetic studies and predictive value of non-ceruloplasmim copper in mild cognitive impairment conversion to full AD

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. A myriad of complex factors contribute to AD, promoting the deposition in plaques of amyloid-beta (Aβ), which is the main constituent of this pathognomonic sign of AD at autopsy brain inspection. Aβ toxicity is related to oxidative stress, which results in synaptic loss in specific brain areas, eventually leading to cognitive decline. Metal, and especially copper, dyshomeostasis is a key factor in these processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that the serum fraction of copper that is not bound to ceruloplasmin (Non-Cp copper, also known as ‘free’ or labile copper) increases in a percentage of AD patients and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects; this is considered a precursor of AD. Non-Cp copper is the exchangeable fraction of low molecular weight copper in serum. It is distinguished from the copper structurally bound to the ceruloplasmin protein, a master protein of iron metabolism. Non-Cp copper levels are higher than normal reference values (range 0–1.6 μmol/L) in about 50% of amnestic MCI subjects and 60% of AD patients, typifying them in a subset of AD. Meta-analyses, genetic studies and a prognostic study evaluating the predictive value of Non-Cp copper in MCI conversion to full AD demonstrate the existence of this copper phenotype of AD.     

Human copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B (the Wilson's disease protein): biochemical properties and regulation

Wilson's disease protein (WNDP) is a product of a gene ATP7B that is mutated in patients with Wilson's disease, a severe genetic disorder with hepatic and neurological manifestations caused by accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. In a cell, WNDP transports copper across various cell membranes using energy of ATP-hydrolysis. Copper regulates WNDP at several levels, modulating its catalytic activity, posttranslational modification, and intracellular localization. This review summarizes recent studies on enzymatic function and copper-dependent regulation of WNDP. Specifically, we describe the molecular architecture and major biochemical properties of WNDP, discuss advantages of the recently developed functional expression of WNDP in insect cells, and summarize the results of the ligand-binding studies and molecular modeling experiments for the ATP-binding domain of WNDP. In addition, we speculate on how copper binding may regulate the activity and intracellular distribution of WNDP, and what role the human copper chaperone Atox1 may play in these processes.     

Transport ATPases in biological systems and relationship to human disease: a brief overview

Interest in the field of transport ATPases has grown dramatically during the past 20 years and gained considerable visibility for several reasons. First, it was shown that most transport ATPases can be lumped into only a few categories designated simply as P, V, F, and ABC types, the latter consisting of a large superfamily. Second, it has been shown that many transport ATPases have a clear relevance to human disease. Third, the field of transport ATPases has become rather advanced in the study of the reaction mechanisms and structure–function relationships associated with several of these enzymes. Finally, the Nobel committee recently recognized major accomplishments in this field of research. Here, the author provides a brief discussion of transport ATPases that are present in biological systems and their relevance or possible relevance to human disease.     

Independent Evolution of Heavy Metal-Associated Domains in Copper Chaperones and Copper-Transporting ATPases

Copper chaperones are small cytoplasmic proteins that bind intracellular copper (Cu) and deliver it to Cu-dependent enzymes such as cytochrome oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and amine oxidase. Copper chaperones are similar in sequence and structure to the Cu-binding heavy metal-associated (HMA) domains of Cu-transporting ATPases (Cu-ATPases), and the genes for copper chaperones and Cu-ATPases are often located in the same operon. Phylogenetic analysis shows that Cu chaperones and HMA domains of Cu-ATPases represent ancient and distinct lineages that have evolved largely independently since their initial separation. Copper chaperone–Cu-ATPase operons appear to have evolved independently in different prokaryotic lineages, probably due to a strong selective pressure for coexpression of these genes. Received: 14 December 2000 / Accepted: 9 May 2001     

Copper-dependent interaction of glutaredoxin with the N termini of the copper-ATPases (ATP7A and ATP7B) defective in Menkes and Wilson diseases

The P-type ATPases affected in Menkes and Wilson diseases, ATP7A and ATP7B, respectively, are key copper transporters that regulate copper homeostasis. The N termini of these proteins are critical in regulating their function and activity, and contain six copper-binding motifs MxCxxC. In this study, we describe the identification of glutaredoxin (GRX1) as an interacting partner of both ATP7A and ATP7B, confirmed by yeast two-hybrid technology and by co-immunoprecipitation from mammalian cells. The interaction required the presence of copper and intact metal-binding motifs. In addition, the interaction was related to the number of metal-binding domains available. GRX1 catalyses the reduction of disulphide bridges and reverses the glutathionylation of proteins to regulate and/or protect protein activity. We propose that GRX1 is essential for ATPase function and catalyses either the reduction of intramolecular disulphide bonds or the deglutathionylation of the cysteine residues within the CxxC motifs to facilitate copper-binding for subsequent transport.     

Copper at synapse: Release,binding and modulation of neurotransmission

Over the last decade, a piece of the research studying copper role in biological systems was devoted to unravelling a still elusive, but extremely intriguing, aspect that is the involvement of copper in synaptic function. These studies were prompted to provide a rationale to the finding that copper is released in the synaptic cleft upon depolarization. The copper pump ATP7A, which mutations are responsible for diseases with a prominent neurodegenerative component, seems to play a pivotal role in the release of copper at synapses. Furthermore, it was found that, when in the synaptic cleft, copper can control, directly or indirectly, the activity of the neurotransmitter receptors (NMDA, AMPA, GABA, P2X receptors), thus affecting excitability. In turn, neurotransmission can affect copper trafficking and delivery in neuronal cells. Furthermore, it was reported that copper can also modulate synaptic vesicles trafficking and the interaction between proteins of the secretory pathways. Interestingly, proteins with a still unclear role in neuronal system though associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (the amyloid precursor protein, APP, the prion protein, PrP, α-synuclein, α-syn) show copper-binding domains. They may act as copper buffer at synapses and participate in the interplay between copper and the neurotransmitters receptors.Given that copper dysmetabolism occurs in several diseases affecting central and peripheral nervous system, the findings on the contribution of copper in synaptic transmission, beside its more consolidate role as a neuronal enzymes cofactor, may open new insights for therapy interventions.     

Expression, Isolation, and Crystallization of the Catalytic Domain of CopB, a Putative Copper Transporting ATPase from the Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

The P-type CPX-ATPases are responsible for the transport of heavy metal ions in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. We have chosen one of the two CPX-ATPases of the thermophile Sulfolobus solfataricus, CopB (= SSO2896) for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of this integral membrane protein. We recombinately expressed three different soluble domains of this protein (named CopB-A, CopB-B, and CopB-C) in Escherichia coli and purified them to homogeneity. 3D crystals of CopB-B, the 29 kDa catalytic ATP binding/phosphorylation domain were produced, which diffracted to a resolution of 2.2 A. CopB-B has heavy metal stimulated phosphatase activity, which was half maximal in the presence of 80 microM Cu2+. The protein forms a phosphorylated intermediate with the substrate gamma-(32P)-ATP. No specific activation of the polypeptide was observed, when CopB-B phosphatase activity was tested in the presence of the purified CopB-C and CopB-A proteins, which provide the cation binding and the phosphatase domains. We conclude that CopB is a putatively copper translocating ATPase, in which structural elements integrally located in the membrane are required for full, coordinated activation of the catalytic ATP binding domain.